Improved safety for all roller test benches MAHA systematically implements EN 17003

By the end of the year, MAHA will have fully implemented EN 17003 in its testing technology. This makes MAHA one of the first manufacturers to not only fully meet the recommendations of this harmonised standard, but to deliberately extend its application beyond the normative scope.

Haldenwang, 9th October 2025. The EN 17003:2021 standard ‘Roller brake testers for vehicles of more than 3.5 tons GVW – Safety requirements’ defines mandatory specifications for testers used in these vehicle categories. However, since in practice such vehicles can also be tested on classic passenger car test benches with an axle load of 3 to 5 tons, MAHA has decided to treat all test bench series in the same way. “Safety is not a question of the area of application for us, but a fundamental requirement. That’s why we equip all our test benches in a way that they comply with EN 17003 – even where the standard does not formally apply,” explains Dr. Peter Geigle, Managing Director at MAHA.
 
Total conformity leads to safety
At the turn of the year, MAHA will be fully compliant with EN 17003. This means that all normative safety measures will be implemented – from axis presence detection and access protection to emergency stop functions and adjustments to the test sequence. MAHA also provides optional accessories that are required to achieve full compliance with the standard:
•    Different models of emergency stop devices
•    Guard rails for the area adjacent to the roller sets
•    Pit safety devices in various designs
This enables operators to flexibly adapt their systems to local conditions while ensuring full compliance with standards.
 
Flexibility is retained – the operator is still the one bearing responsibility
Despite rigorous compliance with the standard, operators have a certain degree of flexibility in the application. For example, the commonly used automatic roller start can still be provided, although EN 17003 essentially excludes it. However, this is only permissible if the operator draws up a proper risk assessment that documents the necessary protective measures implemented. The responsibility therefore clearly lies with the operator, who must ensure safety during operation.

MAHA as a technology leader
While many competitors are still lagging behind in implementing EN 17003, MAHA will be offering fully compliant test benches from the beginning of next year.

Operators will benefit from:
•    Legal certainty and liability reduction through tested safety technology
•    Practical solutions that combine safety, efficiency and flexibility
•    Avoidance of downtimes through market monitoring measures
•    Protection against costly retrofits when the Machinery Regulation comes into force in 2027
 
Superb Solutions for Ultimate Safety
In addition to EN 17003, MAHA consistently ensures compliance with other harmonised standards such as EN 1493 (Vehicle lifts), EN ISO 13849-1 (Safety-related parts of control systems) and EN 60204-1 (Safety of machinery – electrical equipment of machines).

MAHA is thus demonstrating how standardised safety is more than just a reference in the documentation – it is an integral part of our technology.